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The object manipulator is a mechanism that allows a robot to interact with objects in its environment. There are four main types of object manipulators: plows, scoops, friction grabbers, and accumulators. To learn more about object manipulators, go to the VEX IQ Curriculum for Object Manipulation.
Plows
Plows
A plow is a passive system that moves objects without actually picking them up. They are the easiest to build but are not very common in VEX IQ robotics competition since they have a very limited function.
Scoops
Scoops
A scoop applies force underneath an object such that the object can be elevated and carried. This is also a passive intake system since no motors are actually used on the object manipulator itself. This type of object manipulator depends on gravity to hold the object on or in the scoop.
Friction Grabber
Friction Grabber
A friction grabber applies force to an object in at least two places, allowing the object to be pinched or grabbed. The friction grabber has the ability to hold objects securely and are generally the type that provides the most control over objects.
Although many VEX kits come with a claw, often students make their own friction grabbers to better fit the game pieces being manipulated.
Accumulator
Accumulator
An accumulator is designed to collect and hold multiple objects at a time. This can increase efficiency of an object manipulation system. However, be sure to read the constraints in the game manual as some games do not allow for more than one game piece to be controlled at a time.
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